The fourth desalination plant in Chennai, situated in Perur along the East Coast Road, is designed to convert seawater into potable water. Its primary goal is to fulfill the water supply requirements of the regions under the Tambaram Corporation, Greater Chennai Corporation, and 20 nearby village panchayats. This initiative aims to serve a population of approximately 22.67 lakh people.
The construction of the desalination plant is being overseen by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). The project benefits from funding provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Environmentalists have raised significant concerns regarding the impact and necessity of the new desalination plant. They argue that the facility will demand a considerable amount of energy, estimated at about 100 megawatts, to desalinate the water. Additionally, there are worries about the daily operational costs associated with the plant. Some experts advocate that instead of constructing a new facility, efforts should focus on rejuvenating and enhancing the capacity of existing water bodies in Chennai to optimize rainwater storage and use.
In response to Chennai's water scarcity, environmental experts recommend a different approach. They suggest rejuvenating and expanding the capacity of the existing water bodies to effectively capture and store rainwater. Their perspective is that by utilizing merely 2 percent of the rainwater that Chennai receives, the city's water needs can be adequately met. This alternative highlights the importance of maximizing rainwater as a sustainable resource.
Residents in the OMR region, who have historically relied on private water tankers, express skepticism regarding whether the new desalination plant will adequately address their water needs. They reflect on the difficulties they have encountered with water supplies in the past. Organizations such as the Federation of OMR Residents Associations (FOMRRA) have questioned the water distribution from existing desalination plants, expressing concerns about accessibility and equity.
Chennai is already home to two operational desalination plants, with another nearing inauguration and the foundation stone laid for the fourth plant. These facilities are part of the DMK government's broader strategy to tackle the city's pressing water needs. The existing plants vary in capacity and cater to different areas within Chennai.
Critics of the new desalination plant have pointed out potential negative environmental impacts. They raise concerns regarding its energy consumption, emissions from fossil fuel-based energy sources, and the effect on local ecosystems. One significant issue is the release of brine, which contains high levels of dissolved solids, back into the ocean, posing a threat to marine life and coastal ecosystems.
Environmental experts advocate for prioritizing rainwater harvesting and enhancing the capacity of water bodies as viable alternatives to building additional desalination plants. They emphasize the need to capitalize on the abundant rainfall that Chennai receives to meet its water requirements sustainably.
The government's stance on the concerns raised by environmentalists is not fully detailed in the available information. However, it is noted that the government has been engaging with experts and gathering data to better address the water needs of the population. The effectiveness and implementation of the government's plans remain to be seen.
Residents are adopting a cautious approach regarding the government's commitment to improving water supply. They express that the actual enhancement in water availability will serve as a crucial indicator of the government's dedication to fulfilling its promises.
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